We first met Diane when she was working at the local laundromat and we fell in love with her the minute she said, “Hello.” She has that effect on people. Maybe it's corny to call Diane a ray of sunshine but if you knew her, you'd totally agree. She just makes you happy and you want her to be around always. Diane was fred's very first full-time employee and we say, without hesitation, that we owe her the world.
Please tell everybody what you do at fredflare.com.
I work in the Receiving and Processing department, checking in all the new items as they arrive and preparing them for our customers. Receiving is good for me because it pushes me to learn more English, funny everyday words like “yummy” or “bling”.
Speaking of bling, you're a total wrap star here at fredflare.com, overseeing all gift wrap orders. Any tips for us?
There is definitely an art to it. You have to pull the paper very, very tight to make the gift look beautiful. Loose is no good. Also, use double sided tape so nothing shows. A box always makes
it easier!
Can you tell us about your life in China before you came to NYC?
When I lived in China I worked at a hospital as a nurse. I liked that a lot because I love to help people, but it was hard working the night shift!
You've said before that China and the United States are very different. Can you give us an example?
The cultures of East and West are a world apart. I didn't really know anything about American history, traditions or food at all before I came here. Now I try to learn a little each day. One small thing I've noticed is that in China people rush in to help others, even strangers, maybe more quickly than here. In America it's seems better to ask, “May I help you?”
You recently visited your family back home in March. How was it?
I had a great time! I visited China to spend time with my mother and my sisters in Canton. So much has changed there! The streets are wider now and almost no one is riding bicycles anymore… Then I went to Vietnam to visit my sister-in-law. She has a beautiful new fruit farm!
At the end of the trip I went to Adelaide, in Australia, to see my mother-in-law. That was so relaxing. We also went to Melbourne which is a beautiful city.
Did you miss us?
Definitely! I missed the excitement. Our company has had a lot of changes in the last year. Now we have 20 people that work here at the warehouse. Last year at this time we only had four! So we all work really hard together and we're all learning as we go.
What do you do for fun?
If I'm feeling good, I like to meet my friends or have a stroll. If I feel tired then I love to just stay home and enjoy my favorite songs.
What kind the music do you like?
Mostly I like Chinese songs. My favorite singer is a Hong Kong artist named XuXiao Feng. Sometimes I play her during my Friday DJ set at fredflare.com. We all take turns playing music here and, though I enjoy what everyone plays, I don't always understand the words. So on Friday it's my turn! Kalani helped me pick my DJ name because I wasn't sure what that was at first. I chose DJ Bun because I eat a bun every day for lunch!
How would you describe your co-workers in one sentence or less?
I would say that everybody who works at fredflare.com is very nice, always smiling, but they work serious!
Anything special you'd like to say to our customers?
I would like to say "Hi!" and "Thanks for shopping with us!" Please email me at inventory@fredflare.com I'd love to hear from you.
